Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Players Leaving the Emirates

Once again, one of the English Premier League's most historic franchises has been the center of talks during an unpredictable offseason.

Arsenal celebrated 125 years last season, but a disappointing third-place finish in the EPL extended their drought to seven years without a trophy.

And at least for now, it's not getting any better.

Team captain and last year's Golden Boot award winner, Robin van Persie, has made it clear that he will not sign an extension with Arsenal going forward.

Theo Walcott is entering the last year of an expiring contract, and Nicklas Bendtner has also made it clear he will not be suiting up for Arsenal this season.

So with just four days until the season opener against Sunderland, much remains uncertain in North London.

Let's take a look at the latest news concerning Arsenal's transfers.

Robin van Persie

In what could be devastating news for the rest of the English Premier League, most signs indicate that Robin van Persie will join Wayne Rooney in Old Trafford, according to Charlie Wyett of The Sun.

Right now, 19-time league champion Manchester United is the favorite to land Arsenal's captain in what would certainly be a lucrative transfer. Arsenal appears to have backed down a bit from their firm stance of requiring €30 million for van Persie's services, and talks of a €22 million deal could conclude soon if United Boss Alex Ferguson makes the right moves.

Other potential suitors include Italy's Juventus and Manchester City. However, at this point, it seems only to be a matter of time before United secures van Persie with aims at league dominance.

Theo Walcott

After six long seasons with Arsenal, the end for Theo Walcott may also be rapidly approaching. The speedy right forward is entering the final year of his contract, and many teams across the league have expressed interest in the 23-year-old London native.

It won't take as much cash to transfer Walcott (reported numbers all hover around €15 million), but Liverpool, Chelsea and Inter Milan appear to be the early frontrunners in the process.

According to The Mirror, Brendan Rodgers has a strong interest in bringing the striker to Liverpool, and a bid could be placed this week. But with his team in the midst of a rebuilding process, Rodgers may be facing an uphill battle.

Nicklas Bendtner

After spending last season on loan to Sunderland, Nicklas Bendtner's departure from Arsenal is seemingly inevitable. Both sides have made it very clear that a transfer is the best option moving forward, and the only question remaining is where the 24-year-old Danish striker will land.

Rumored "demands" from Bendtner could potentially make the transfer process complicated, and he claims to have turned down multiple offers already. But with seemingly limitless potential and a relatively low asking price (around £8 million), a deal should be done soon.

The latest reports from The Examiner indicate that Bendtner could be used as part of a deal to bring French defender Philippe Mexes to North London. Talks with AC Milan are ongoing, and the addition of Mexes to Arsenal would undoubtedly help solidify an inconsistent defense.